Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Connecticut
Septic, CT
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Connecticut?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Connecticut?
Septic License Requirements in Connecticut
We all need safe, reliable sewage management for our homes and businesses. Those homeowners and businesses that rely on septic tanks, also known as on-site sewage facilities (OSSF), depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems.
According to the Connecticut State Department of Health, approximately 40% of Connecticut residents live in homes served by on-site sewage systems. Apartment buildings, schools, restaurants, and other commercial buildings in non-urban areas also rely on septic systems.
The projected growth rate nationally is expected to be 8% from 2022 to 2032, adding 3,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Connecticut, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is 12% for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.
If you’re thinking about starting a septic business or working in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Connecticut?
Licensing for septic cleaners and installers for the entire state of Connecticut is under the authority of the Connecticut State Department of Public Health. The DPH has all the information you need on its website, including requirements for licensing, exam information, and application forms.
Types of Septic Licenses in Connecticut
There are two license types in Connecticut:
Subsurface Sewage Installer: Required for construction, installation, repairing, cleaning, or servicing subsurface sewage disposal systems (SSDS).
Subsurface Sewage Cleaner: Required for cleaning or servicing subsurface sewage disposal systems.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Connecticut
Follow these steps to become a Subsurface Sewage Installer:
Must have verifiable experience as a participant in at least four subsurface sewage disposal system installations in the last five years, signed by the approving sanitarian.
Mail completed, notarized application with a $50 fee to Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), Environmental Licensing, 410 Capitol Avenue MS #12MQA, P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134-0308.
Schedule and pass the Subsurface Sewage Installer exam with PSI, which incurs a $65 fee.
Follow these steps to become a Subsurface Sewage Cleaner:
Mail completed, notarized application with a $20 fee to CT Department of Public Health, Environmental Licensing, 410 Capitol Avenue MS #12MQA, P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134-0308.
Schedule and pass the Subsurface Sewage Cleaner exam with PSI, which incurs a $50 fee.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Connecticut?
The application fee and exam fee to become a licensed septic installer is $115. For a Subsurface Sewage Cleaner, the application fee and license fee adds up to $70.
Additional permit application fees may be assessed by local health departments.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic installation technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan cloud-based, all-in-one septic business software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Connecticut?
An Installer will need to gain experience on four different septic system installs. All projects must be completed five years prior to taking the licensing exam. Both license types are mailed within four to six weeks of passing the required exams.
Connecticut Septic Training Programs and Schools
The Connecticut Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (COWRA) offers optional preparation courses for the Installer and Cleaner exams. You can find course details, including training materials and pricing, on COWRA’s website.
Connecticut Septic Licensing Exam Details
Applicants must register for Installer and Cleaner exams through PSI.
The Installer closed-book exam consists of true/false, multiple choice, fill-in-the blank, and problem-solving questions based on the Connecticut Public Health Code (PHC) Regulations and Technical Standards for Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems, as well as experience gained when actively participating in the installation of a subsurface sewage disposal system. Passing score is a 70 or higher.
The closed-book Cleaner exam consists of 25 true/false questions that must be answered within one hour. Passing score is an 80 or higher.
Exam topics may include protecting water supply, site investigation, soil testing, percolation tests, test pits, leach fields, and leaching systems.
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Do I Need to Renew My Connecticut Septic License?
Yes, licenses must be renewed annually during the license holder’s birth month. The Cleaner license renewal fee is $20. The Installer license renewal fee is $50.
Does Connecticut Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
Yes. Individuals credentialed as Subsurface Sewage Disposal System or Septic System Installers in a jurisdiction other than Connecticut for a period of no less than 4 years must complete a Verification of Subsurface Sewage System Installer Licensure Form. The other jurisdiction's licensing standards must be equal to or higher than those of Connecticut.
For Cleaner license reciprocity, the applicant must submit the following along with their application and fee:
Statement that you are seeking licensing reciprocity
Copy of your current state’s license for the license type for which you are seeking reciprocity
Copies of your licenses or other documentation to demonstrate you have been licensed for at least four years
National Septic Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians and The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offer certifications. Those and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Continuing Education
There are no continuing education requirements for septic license renewal in Connecticut. However, it’s important to stay informed on septic industry news and regulations.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all septic industry news several ways:
Check top septic blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your septic business.
Listen to top septic podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
The states have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical license in Connecticut, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
